According to the Immigration Act of 1891, “the following classes of aliens shall be excluded from admission into the United States…all idiots, insane persons, paupers or persons likely to become a public charge, persons suffering from a loathsome or a dangerous contagious disease…”
The main hospital on Ellis Island was opened in 1902. It was the first public health hospital in the United States. After their arrival to the island, immigrants were inspected by physicians. Physicians used chalk to mark individuals who showed signs of possible physical or mental defects. These individuals were held for further inspections. They were then sent to the hospital for treatment until they were well enough to enter the U.S. or were deported.
Eventually, the island was enlarged to make room for the infectious and contagious disease wards on Island 3.
Two images from “Unframed — Ellis Island,” by the French artist JR. Retrieved from saveellisisland.org.
Medicine on Ellis Island 